Making Everyday Life More Stylish, Colorful, and Delightful

Month: January 2017

My enthusiasm for dining and entertaining well can be rather extreme yet my time is often limited. This party is designed to keep the jitters down and celebration up. The time-saving strategies provide a relaxed, foolproof plan of action. From drinks to dessert, you will see how this can be an easy, but special way to entertain friends on a quiet winter Sunday. It could be a great idea for Super Bowl Sunday or even a mid-winter, February-March leisurely weekend.

Before I start with the actual plan and recipes that will save time, let’s take a look at this gorgeous timepiece I received from JORD Wood Watches. It’s from the Cora Series and the lively Rose is such a perfect accent to the wild and natural grain of Zebrawood. Jord has an amazing selection of wood watches. You can win one of your own by entering my giveaway here https://www.woodwatches.com/g/mommyteacherfashionista on Sunday, January 29,2017. The giveaway will only be open for 24 hours and will begin the moment I post a special video on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mommyteacherfashionista/ Even if you don’t win, you will actually still win! Everyone that enters will receive a $50.00 gift certificate to JORD and all my followers may use my special code : mommytohtbtv for 15% off!

They really do have an amazing collection. Go ahead and check out their vast variety https://www.woodwatches.com/. I’m sure you will agree that they have an option for every occasion and outfit.

Let’s get back to the party. Invite guests to arrive in staggered hours, especially if your place is small. Invite some at one, others at three, and at 5:00. Obviously if you are doing this for Super Bowl Sunday, you can’t stagger times, but it’s a great idea for entertaining on a quiet non- event day. Plan to have a selection of stews. One variety is fine if you are having less than 50 people but this collection of recipes is perfect for that amount. Have pots of the stews simmering on the stove. The breads, which you can make the day before, can be piled in baskets. Scatter bowls of mixed nuts and platters of of sliced apples and cheese throughout your apartment or house. Select a friend to play bartender- it will take the heat off you. Suggest that friends eat whatever they want in whatever order they want. For example, the apples and cheddar cheese make a good dessert or an appetizer. If some have already eaten, just Chocolate Walnut Pie will fit the bill for them. Have all the food accessible. Use plastic or paper dishes and plan for recycle stations that are easy to get to but still out of the way- in a niche in the kitchen or in a corner is a good idea.

Pat beef dry with paper towels, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour. Set aside. In a large sauce-pan over medium high heat, heat 3 tablespoons oil. When very hot, add just enough beef to cover bottom of pan without crowding. Brown beef well on all sides; remove to colander to drain while you drain remaining beef, adding more oil as needed. To oil remaining in pot, add onions and cook over low heat 15 minutes or until soft. Return beef. Add broth, wine, tomato paste and bouquet garni. Over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 2 hours or until beef is tender, stirring occasionally, adding more liquid if necessary. Skim and discard fat. Add potatoes, peas, and carrots and simmer 25-30 minutes or until tender. Makes about 4 gallons.

Peasant Fish Stew

You will need:

2 lbs bacon

8 medium onions

14 garlic cloves

8 medium sweet green peppers

8 medium sweet red peppers

8 8oz bottles clam juice

6 13 3/4 oz. cans chicken broth

4 c. dry white wine

Generous pinch saffron threads

1 qt. (4 cups) heavy cream

4 lbs. medium fresh or frozen fish such as cod or haddock

4 lbs. medium fresh or frozen shrimp

4 lbs. fresh or frozen scallops

In large, heavy skillet over medium-low heat cook bacon until golden but not browned. Drain bacon on paper towels. Set aside. Pour off all but 1/3 cup bacon drippings from skillet and reserve remaining drippings for later use. In skillet with 1/3 cup bacon drippings over medium heat cook onions uncovered about 10 minutes or until soft and golden. Add garlic to the skillet and cook 1 minute over low heat until garlic just releases its fragrance. Remove onions and garlic to a large kettle. Add 1/4 cup of reserved bacon drippings to skillet. Add peppers and cook over low heat about 5 minutes or until tender. Add bacon, peppers, clam juice, chicken broth, wine, saffron and cream to kettle and bring to a boil. Add fish, shrimp, and scallops and simmer about 5 minutes or until just cooked through. Taste for seasoning. To keep warm, keep soup just below a summer as it sits on the stove so seafood will not become tough or overcooked. Makes about 5 gallons.

In large bowl with mixer on low speed, combine sugar, salt, yeast, and 3 cups flour; mix well. In saucepan over low heat, heat water and oil until warm. With mixer at medium-low speed, gradually add liquid to dry ingredients. Beat 2 minutes. Add 2 cups flour and beat on high speed 2 minutes. Stir in enough additional flour to make a stiff dough. Turn onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover; let rise until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down. Knead in prosciutto, basil, and oregano. Divide dough in half. Roll each piece into a 15 inch-long loaf. Transfer to baking sheet. Make diagonal slits along top of loaf. Cover; let rise 30 minutes. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with olive oil. Makes 2 loaves.

Chocolate Walnut Pie

You will need:

3 squares semisweet-baking chocolate

2 T. butter or margarine

4 large eggs

1/2 c. sugar

1 c. light corn syrup

3 T. Kahlua

2 c. walnuts

1 9 inch unbaked pie crust

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In top of double boiler over hot water, melt chocolate and butter. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely. In a medium bowl with fork, beat eggs with sugar and corn syrup until light and fluffy. Blend in chocolate. Stir in nuts and Kahlua. Pour into pie shell and bake about 40 minutes or until center is set. A toothpick will not come out clean when inserted in center. Pie will firm up as it cools. Let stand at least 1 hour at room temperature before serving. Can be made 3 to 4 days in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For a party of 50, make 5 pies.

Whether you entertain a lot or a little, you want to do it well. Hopefully these suggestions and recipes will inspire you to put together a delicious, elegant get together in a minimum of time.

And speaking of time, don’t forget to be on the lookout for my video on Sunday, which is when you can enter the 24 hour giveaway. Everyone that enters will receive a $50.00 gift certificate and 1 person will win a watch. I’m excited for everyone that enters!

Thank you so much for your time and attention. It is truly appreciated.

Don’t you love it when you find something so fabulous you want to wear it again and again? Or a recipe so perfect you want to keep on making it for everyone you know and love? Or a cocktail so incredibly easy to create you serve it at all your parties?

Don’t you eventually get kind of tired and bored with those things and wish you had other options and varieties just as perfect as the original but a little bit different? Of course ! That’s what I thought!

The idea for this blog post came to me when I was approached by a lovely friend I knew from Instagram. Dana Poitevint https://www.instagram.com/danapoitevint/ asked me if I would like to pick out a few pieces of clothing from her LuLa Roe business https://m.facebook.com/groups/lularoedanapoitevint/ and create 2 outfits to share on Instagram and here on the blog. I actually loved the clothes so much, I took those few (3) pieces and came up with six outfits.

She also generously offered this code: mtf10 ( mommyteacherfashionista- save 10% off) for all of you to use on any purchase from her line of versatile clothing.

I was familiar with the line because over the summer I wore a “Julia” dress and loved the fit. I was surprised to see the variety of patterns it came in. The “Julia” is a form fitting, knee length, knit dress with mid-length sleeves and a high neckline. Its simple silhouette makes the Julia dress a great canvas for layering and accessorizing. This dress is a staple for every season’s wardrobe. It is feminine, flattering, and like me, you might not want to take it off. This is what got me thinking about old favorites and adding variety. I loved the dress so much I didn’t want to just wear and show it as 1 outfit. Here it is 3 different ways. As you can see I just changed around layers and accessories, using items from my closet,and created 3 entirely different looks with 1 new dress.

For more patterns and information about the “Julia” -http://www.lularoe.com/julia-dress/

The other Lula Roe outfit, or pieces, I picked out are the “Cassie” skirt and the “Randy” unisex tee-shirt.

The “Cassie” is a flattering and comfortable pencil skirt with an adjustable waistband that can help you alter the length as desired. I changed my “Cassie” skirt so it would be a little shorter to accommodate OTK boots in the last two looks.

All three looks include the “Cassie” skirt and the “Randy” unisex tee shirt. I love the fit and feel of this raglan tee. It resembles a classic baseball shirt and has the style, ease, and comfort a perfect tee should.

When you do find Lula Roe Pieces you love, or any new items of clothing, don’t be afraid to make them unique, style them and restyle them again and again in different ways. It’s great to absolutely love an item or outfit so much and you don’t have to ever let yourself get bored with your clothes. Just own your own look and be yourself.

Variety and versatility doesn’t just apply to fashion and creating outfits. I’m going to show you how two very tried and true recipes can be created and recreated for optimal pleasure and enjoyment.

They are both perfect for this time of year when you may want to give someone a homemade gift from the heart or you may be in the mood for a sparkling wine mixture with a whole lot of personality rather than just the same old Prosecco.

1. Line cookie sheet with foil. In heavy saucepan, melt one cup of the chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Stir in butter. Stir in whipping cream and liqueur. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, just until thick enough to hold a shape.

3. In 1 quart saucepan, heat shortening and remaining 1 cup chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth; remove from heat. Using fork, dip chocolates one at a time, into chocolate. Return to cookie sheet. Immediately sprinkle some of the truffles with nuts, small candies, powdered sugar or cocoa.

4. In a small bowl, stir powdered sugar and milk until smooth; drizzle over some of the truffles. Refrigerate just until set. Store in airtight container in refrigerator and and serve at room temperature by removing from refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.

Of course you can change this recipe around by using different liqueurs and toppings.

Here are a few other simple ways to keep it interesting and never let anyone get bored with your truffles 😉

Presentation is everything, so keep the interests and personality of the recipient in mind when packaging your truffle gift.

Bellini Love

The original Bellini was reportedly invented at Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy in 1948 by Giuseppe Cipriani. His original recipe was made by mixing Prosecco, Italian sparkling wine, into puréed white peaches. While this combination is delightful, there are many other fabulous variations so simple and satisfying to create as well.

Peach Bellini

﻿
For Each Drink:

1 part fresh peach purée

2 parts iced champagne or other sparkling white wine

Raspberries for garnish

Spoon the fruit purée into a fluted champagne glass. Pour in the champagne and stir to blend. Garnish with raspberries.﻿

Pear Bellini

Prepare drink as for Peach Bellini, but use:

1 part fresh pear purée

2 parts iced champagne

Garnish with Rosemary

Strawberry Bellini

Prepare drink as for Peach Bellini, but use:

1 part strawberry purée

2 parts iced champagne

Mango Bellini

Prepare drink as for Peach Bellini, but use:

1 part fresh mango purée

2 parts iced champagne

Hope you enjoyed this variety of versatile fashion from Lula Roe, luscious handmade candy, and delightful cocktails for just when you need a refreshing, sparkling treat.

Thank you so much for your time and attention. I hope you found this worthwhile and I hope it inspires you to add a little creativity and variety to all you do.

It is a typical January night in Rhode Island. It’s 28 degrees and the Patriots are taking on the Chiefs tonight in the NFL Playoffs. For those of you who do not know, the Patriots ( or Tom Brady & Co. ) are a BIG DEAL around here. My principal and assistant principal at the school I am currently teaching kindergarten in encouraged us all to wear Patriot logo gear yesterday.

Today, I need to be extra warm but also have extra sparkle ( cheering for Tom) so I am opting for this ‘Clara’ dress from Aventura which is easily found here: http://instagram.com/aventuraclothing Aventura uses organic and sustainable fibers to make fashionable clothing with with low environmental impact. All the eco-friendly dresses from Aventura are ultra soft and flattering, made with organic materials and easily snazzed up for festive occasions. This dress could be very casual if left unadorned and worn with casual boots, however that’s not my style, even for watching football.

My belt was from a cocktail dress in my closet and I picked up the white blouse at Express over 3 years ago.

I live by this quote and admire others who share a bit about themselves through their clothing and accessories. I don’t wear sports motto apparel but I will cheer on my favorite team with a special ensemble (sequins and ‘Cheers’ bracelet set) and of course, special treats.

1. In medium bowl, beat butter and brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed, about 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Beat in whipping cream and powdered sugar alternately on low speed until smooth. Stir in nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. Use immediately or freeze up to 3 months.

2. For each serving, place rum and 2 tablespoons Hot Buttered Rum Batter in mug. Stir in boiling water. Sprinkle with nutmeg and white chocolate curls.

Thank you so much for visiting the blog today. As always, I appreciate your time and attention and hope you found this post worthwhile.

I’d love to hear from you. What are your thoughts on Eco-Friendly Fashion ? Do you have any kind of Game Day traditions? What types of foods do you find work well when entertaining a crowd of people for a casual event? And lastly, do you prefer sequins or team- logo attire for cheering on your favorite team?

Simple pleasures- that’s what people most often feel like they are missing when they are trying to save money or eat right. I will show you a few options to for saving money and eating healthier that will also allow you to look your best and enjoy flavorful, lightened up classic foods. The recipes will warm your heart and soothe your soul. The fashion tips will keep you slaying and keep money in the bank so you can finally plan that trip you’ve always wanted to go on or that home-remodeling job you have been thinking about.

Right now on the thredup.com site you will see winter layers up to 75% off, activewear starting at $3.00, and top kid’s brands for less than $10. I also saw Anthropology, J.crew, and Banana Republic suit separates for less than $30.00 each today while browsing on the thredup app. They have many items in perfect condition with tags still on!

This Cache dress was less than $20.00 at thredup almost 2 years ago. I’m sure some of you are thinking “Oh,that dress again!” I’ve worn it so many times and posted it quite a few times as well. However, that brings me to another money-saving tip: Shop your closet, of course!!

Find cute, trendy accessories at affordable prices at like these OTK boots and this faux fur vest at places such as burlingtoncoatfactory.com , marshalls.com and target.com. Both my vest and boots are from BCF. I also visit http://www.polyvore.com and use the price filter to only look for the most affordable items. I found all of these faux fur vests and OTK boots today. They are all steals rather than splurges.

You can find affordable, on-trend accessories many places, add them to your favorite pieces in your closet and you won’t have to wait for a sale or dig into your vacation fund to look amazing!

See ? Sassy enough and you don’t have to feel sad about digging into any of your savings.

So, are you ready for flavorful, lightened up classics? Do not feel like you are missing out on simple pleasures when you are trying to eat right. That hearty pot roast and slice of chocolate cake can be all you crave when the wind starts whipping and faux fur weather begins. Luckily, these recipes all include the right blend of ingredients and a few lighter substitutions so you can still enjoy your all-time favorites in a healthier way. ﻿

Maple Orange Pot Roast

You will need:

1 boneless beef rump roast

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup sugar-free maple-flavored syrup

1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon grated orange peel

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, cut into large chunks

5 medium carrots, cut into 2 inch pieces

2 celery ribs

2 medium onions, cut into wedges

4 teaspoons cornstarch

1/4 cup cold water

In a large skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, brown roast on all sides; drain. Place in a roasting pan coated with the nonstick cooking spray. In the same skillet, combine the orange juice, syrup, wine or broth, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, orange peel, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently; pour over meat. Place the carrots, potatoes, celery and onions around the roast. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 3 hours.

Remove meat and vegetables and keep warm. Pour pan juices into a measuring cup. Discard bay leaf and skim fat. Pour into a saucepan. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir into juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with pot roast and vegetables.

8 servings

1 serving = 335 calories/ 8 grams of fat

Simplicity can also apply to a classic feel-good favorite like this, almost like a security blanket for the soul.

Chicken and Dumpling Soup

You will need:

3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided

1 cup water

2 cups frozen French-cut green beans

1 1/2 cups sliced onions

1 cup coarsly chopped shredded carrots

1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram

2/3 cup reduced-fat biscuit/baking mix

1/3 cup cornmeal

1/4 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese

1/3 cup fat-free milk

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In a nonstick skillet, sauté chicken in oil until browned and juices run clear.

In a large saucepan, combine flour and 1/2 cup broth until smooth. Stir in water and remaining broth. Add the beans, carrots, onions, marjoram, and chicken. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the biscuit mix, cornmeal and cheese. Stir in milk just until moistened. Drop batter in 12 mounds onto simmering soup. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a dumpling comes out clean.

1 1/4 cups soup with 3 dumplings =353 calories and 8 g fat

Do not skip dessert. No one will believe this but this ooey-gooey chocolate cake is actually light.

Caramel-Pecan Chocolate Cake

You will need:

1 package (14 ounces) caramels

1 can (14 ounces) fat- free sweetened condensed milk

1/3 cup butter

4 squares ( 1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate, melted

1/3 cup canola oil

1 1/2 cups water

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 egg whites

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/3 cups sugar

1/3 cup sugar blend

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted

1 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar

In a small heavy saucepan, heat the caramels, milk and butter over low heat. Set aside and keep warm.

In a large mixing bowl, combine chocolate and oil. Beat in the water, applesauce, egg whites, egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, sugar, sugar blend, baking soda and salt; gradually add to chocolate mixture until blended.

Bake 18-23 minutes and then cook on a wire rack. Sprinkle with confectioners’

sugar.

24 servings

1 serving = 318 calories and 13 g fat

This is a rather comforting little pleasure that can be served before or after dinner.

Hot Bourbon Orange Tea Toddy

Your will need:

1 (3 inch ) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges

1/4 cup honey

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

3 regular size orange pekoe tea bags

1/2 cup bourbon

Bring first 4 ingredients and 1 quart of water to a boil. Remove pan from heat and add tea bags. Let steep 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove and discard solids. Whisk in bourbon and serve warm or hot.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today. I appreciate your time and attention and hope you found the post useful and enjoyable.

What are your favorite ways to save money, stay stylish, and stay on track with your healthy lifestyle?

I added a long sleeve tee-shirt, hat,tights, and heels from target.com to make it appropriate for the cold weather we are having now. However, I’ll be sure to get plenty of use out of this amazing dress in the summer, adding just a casual sandal and a lighter, straw hat.

Not only can your outfit be a work of art but your lunch can be too. Or your dinner. And it can be healthy and easy to put together and elegant enough to serve to guests.

How about a beautiful Cajun Salmon Salad that only takes 25 minutes and is less than 350 calories a serving ?

You will need:

1 pound fresh or frozen salmon

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 cup fat-free Thousand Island salad dressing

1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning ﻿

4 cups packaged lettuce mix

1 cup cooked brown rice

1 cup, no salt added organic kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup chopped roasted red bell peppers

1. Thaw fish, if frozen. Set up grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat. Rinse fish under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Remove bones. Brush both sides of fish with olive oil and sprinkle with the 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; set aside.

2. Oil grate when ready to start grilling. Place fish on hot oiled grill. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Do not overcook.

3. For dressing, in a small bowl, combine salad dressing, hot pepper sauce, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.

I hope you found it enjoyable and I hope it inspires you to appreciate the loveliness all around us, either in a beautiful piece of clothing like my dress from https://www.stylewe.com/ , an artfully designed healthy meal, or just in the happy faces of the special people you are sharing your life with.